Apparatus and method for cleaning fixed windows



L. CAROLIN March 25, 1969' APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CLEANING FIXED WINDOWS Filed July 15, 1965 INVENTOR. A 9/7 Caro/ United States Patent 3,434,882 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CLEANING FIXED WINDOWS Lyn Carolin, 1303 Broadway, Lantaua, Fla. 33460 Filed July 15, 1965, Ser. No. 472,246 Int. Cl. B08b 3/02 U.S. Cl. 134-26 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention comprises apparatus for cleaning fixed windows in multistoried buildings comprising a conduit, jets communicably connected with said conduit means directing the efiiuent from said jets over the surface to be cleaned, a source of cleaning solution, a source of water and a source of air under pressure, said source of air under pressure being connected with said sources of cleaning solution and water, a mixer valve, means selectively directing either air, cleaning solution or water or any combination thereof to said mixer valve and means connecting the mixer valve with the conduit having the jets in communication therewith.

This invention relates to apparatus for window cleaning and the like, and more particularly is directed to apparatus for cleaning windows and other fixed like appurtenances in multistoried buildings; and to a method of cleaning windows and other appurtenances in multistoried buildings. Multistoried buildings, known in the trade as high rise buildings, have always created a problem for window washing, outside panel washing and other like exterior surfaces. In all multistoried buildings and more particularly the extremely high buildings, and more particularly those in industrial areas, have many problems in connection with keeping the windows and other exterior surfaces thereof clean. The windows must have expensive actuators, such as awning type windows; or the building must be provided with means for lowering window cleaners, preferably on hoist actuated platforms, in order to manually clean the windows. Other problems, such as the sway of the building, climatic conditions, and personal hazards, are involved as well as the particular crustration or coatings on the Window, or other surface particularly in industrial areas and seashore resort areas.

Current architectural trends in which both horizontal and vertical arcuate construction of exterior walls is employed, renders fixed window cleaning, and other exterior surface cleaning, such as decorative panel, more difficult than before; and, climatized building construction in which both heating and cooling is provided makes fixed window construction somewhat standardized in these multistoried or high rise buildings.

An object of this invention is to provide means for cleaning windows in such multistoried fixed window buildings.

Another object of this invention is to provide means in association with already existing structures, as well as new construction, to clean windows in fixed window construction and like appurtenances.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the class described, which will be simple and economical in construction and eflicient and durable in use.

Other advantages and objects of this invention will be more apparent from the following specification, taken in conjunction with the drawings, forming a part thereof, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of this invention affixed to existing sealed window construction;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of this invention utilizing the window framing of new construction employing fixed windows to provide conduit for cleaning media;

FIG. 3 is a face elevation of a modification of the invention employing a central diffusion member; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 3 illustrating means of mounting a central diffusion member in a fixed window.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like members are given the same reference numeral, a building wall 10 has a window opening 11 formed therein to receive a window frame 12 secured to said opening and adapted to receive as permanently mounted a pane of glass 13 positioned in the frame 12 to abut against a flange member 14 thereof and secured in position by conventional sealing compound 15.

A peripheral conduit 16 in a form of pip or extruded tubing is secured to the frame 12 in any suitable manner, preferably the by-pipe or tube tips 17 spaced longitudinally along the conduit 16 and secured to the frame 12.

A plurality of jet or spray heads 18 designed for directional dispersion over a predetermined angular area are communically connected with the conduit 16 in a conventional tap and thread arrangement; and, the jets 18 so positioned that the combined plurality of jets 18 has the efiiuent therefrom covering the surface of the glass pane 13. Communicably connected with the conduit, pipe or tube 16 is a pipe fitting 19 connected with a pipe 20 extending inwardly of the building for access from the interior of the building to which the window is aflixed. The inward end of the pipe 20 terminates in a detachable coupling 21 such as a pipe nipple or snap-on coupling, having a complementary member 22 detachably connected therewith and secured to a flexible conduit 23.

The flexible conduit 23 is connected to a multiple mixing valve 24 having a single outlet to the flexible tubing or conduit 23 and having three separate and distinct intakes, each having separate valves 25, 26 and 27 provided in said mixing valve 24. A separate conduit is connected with each of the intakes and valve controls, one line or conduit 28 connects the valve 25 to a Water storage tank 29, another conduit 30 connects the valve 27 to a detergent storage tank 31; and, the third conduit 32 connects the valve 26 with an air compressor or compressed air storage tank 33.

The air compressor or compressed air storage tank 33, detergent tank 31 and water tank 29, together with the conduit 28, 30 and 32 and mixer valve 24 and flexible conduit 23 with its connection 22 are all mounted on a cart or wagon 34 for transporting to various rooms in the building. The compressor 33 is electrically operated and has a plug-in electrical cord 35 for use in any room. The detergent tank 31 and water tank 29 have vents 55 in the form of pipe nipples to which valved flexible conduits may be connected from the air storage or compressor 33 if pressure flow from these containers is desired as opposed to suction flow as illustrated.

The modification as illustrated in FIG. 2, provides a conduit 36 integrally formed as part of and in the window frame 37, and may be formed during the extrusion process forming this frame member 3. The spray heads or jets 38 have thread nipples 39 for threadedly engaging capped openings in the frame 37, for communication with the conduit 36.

For use of a single, centrally positioned diffusion spray or jet member 41 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the window pane is provided with an aperture 43 receiving a double flanged deformable rubber or neoprene member 42 and cushioned with nonhardening material 44 to shield the glass from extra stresses created by unequal coeflicients of expansion of the glass, insert member 42 and conduits of the jet 41 inserted in the flange member 42. Extending beyond the exterior of the building, is a spray head 41 having a threaded tubular portion extended inwardly of the building to receive a retaining nut 46 and provide additional threaded section for threadedly engaging a pipe connection 47, connected with a supply pipe 48, which in turn may be connected with the flexible tube or conduit 23.

In operation, with all valves 25, 26 and 27 closed, the air compressor 33 is started. The complementary couplings 21 and 22 are engaged, and the air valve 26 is opened directing air under pressure through the conduit 16 or 36, the jets 18 or 38 to clean the window pane 13. The valve 27 to the detergent tank 31 is opened and the air pressure through the mixer valve 24 causes detergent, by suction, to be mixed with the air and sprayed under pressure against the window pane 13 to wash the detergent valve 27 is closed, and the water valve 25 opened to draw water into the mixer valve 24 and direct it with air under pressure against the window pane 13 to rinse. The water valve 25 is closed, and if desired, air directed against the window pane 13 to dry.

As previously stated, pressure connections can be used with the detergent, and water tanks 29 and 31; and air storage tanks can be used with the compressor 33. Fixed spray heads or jets 18, 38 and 4-1 have been illustrated and are preferable, but reaction rotary heads of a conventional type may be used, and on rectangular structures conventional limited angle rotary heads may be employed.

The invention, as illustrated, employs a portable unit for use in a room. In new construction, pipes can be installed for valve control to a central unit in a janitor closet on each floor and no portable unit is needed. In fact with a central unit on each floor, all windows on a floor can be cleaned in one operation, or selective work windows on one side of the building at a time, particularly a. side facing Sea water where cleaning must be more frequent than on other sides of a seashore building.

The portable unit 34, as illustrated, obviously, could be a large mobile truck having compressor 33, water tank or connector to water supply 29 and detergent 31 thereon, and suitable flexible connectors for connecting with conduits positioned in the basement, or alley wall of a building, for use by a mobile window cleaning service in which event, the mobile unit would come to a building, pro vided with central conduits and controls when the build ing was erected and in a few hours wash all the windows in the building.

As previously noted, the invention is applicable to other exterior uses, such as decorative tile panels, projections, designs and other appurtenances.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for cleaning fixed windows and like appurtenances in multistoried buildings, comprising a conduit, jets communicably connected with said conduit, said jets positioned to direct efiiuent therefrom over the surface to be cleaned, a source of air under pressure, a source of cleaning solution, a source of water, a mixer valve, valved conduits connecting said mixer valve and each of said sources of air under pressure and cleaning solution and water, and a connector conduit connecting the said mixer valve and said first mentioned conduit.

2. Apparatus for cleaning fixed windows and like appurtenances in multistoried buildings, comprising a peripheral conduit, a plurality of jets communicably connected with said conoduit, said jets positioned to direct efiluent therefrom over the surface to be cleaned, a source of air under pressure, a source of cleaning solution, a source of water, a mixer valve, valved conduits connecting said mixer valve and each of said sources of air under pressure and cleaning solution and water, and a connector conduit connecting the said mixer valve and said first mentioned conduit.

3. Apparatus for cleaning fixed windows in multistoried buildings, comprising a conduit, a plurality of jets secured adjacent the periphery of said window communicably connected with said conduit, said jets positioned to direct effluent therefrom over the surface to be cleaned, a source of air under pressure, a source of cleaning solution, a source of water, a mixer valve, valved conduits connecting said mixer valve and each of said sources of air under pressure and cleaning solution and water to selectively release under pressure air or cleaning solution or water or any combination of these from said mixer valve.

4. Apparatus for cleaning fixed windows in multistoried buildings comprising a conduit, a jet communicably connected with said conduit, said jet positioned substantially centrally in said window and secured thereto to direct effiuent therefrom over the surface to be cleaned, a source of air under pressure, a source of cleaning solution, a source of water, a mixer valve, valved conduits connecting said mixer valve and each of said sources of air under pressure and cleaning solution and water, and a connector conduit connecting the said mixer valve and said first mentioned conduit.

5. Apparatus for cleaning fixed windows in multistoried buildings having window frames comprising a peripheral conduit, in said frame a plurality of jets communicably connected with said conduit, said jets positioned to direct efiiuent therefrom over the surface to be cleaned, a source of air under pressure, a source of cleaning solution, a source of water, a mixer valve, valved conduits connecting said mixer valve and each of said sources of air under pressure and cleaning solution and water, and a connector conduit connecting the said mixer valve and said first mentioned conduit.

6. A method of cleaning fixed windows in multistoried buildings provided with a conduit, jets communicably connected with said conduit, said jets positioned to direct effluent therefrom over the surface to be cleaned, a source of air under pressure, a source of cleaning solution, a source of water, a mixer valve, valved conduits connecting said mixer valve and each of said sources of air under pressure and cleaning solution and water, and a connector conduit connecting the said mixer valve and said first mentioned conduit, comprising selectively directing air under pressure through said conduits and jets to clean the window followed by cleaning solution under pressure through said conduits and jets to wash, and then rinsing said window by directing water under pressure through said conduits and jets.

7. Apparatus for cleaning fixed windows in multistoried buildings, comprising a peripheral conduit surrounding said window, a plurality of space jets, threadedly engaging said conduit and communicably connected therewith, said jets being positioned with respect to said window to direct efiiuent therefrom over the window surface to be cleaned, a source of air under pressure, a source of cleaning solution, a source of water, a mixer valve, valved conduits connecting said mixer valve and each of said sources of air under pressure and cleaning solution and water, and a connector conduit connecting the said mixer valve and said first mentioned conduit.

8. Apparatus for cleaning fixed windows having a frame therefor in multistoried buildings, comprising an external peripheral conduit secured to said window frame, a plurality of jets communicably connected with said conduit, said jets being positioned with respect to said window to direct efiiuent therefrom over the surface to be cleaned, a source of air under pressure, a source of cleaning solution, a source of water, a mixer valve, valved conduits connecting said mixer valve and each of said sources of air under pressure and cleaning solution and water, and a connector conduit connecting the said mixer valve and said first mentioned conduit.

9. In combination with fixed windows, an apparatus for cleaning a peripheral conduit secured to said frame, a plurality of directional jets secured to the peripheral conduit and communicably therewith, said jets being so positioned with respect to fixed window to direct eifiuent therefrom over the external surface of said window, a source of air under pressure, a source of cleaning solution, a source of water, a mixer valve, valved conduits connect- References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,011,501 12/1961 Beranek 134--5'8X 2,619,977 12/195-2 Hagen 134-177 3,019,801 2/1962 Peterson 134199X DONALL H. SYINESTER, Primary Examiner.

A. D. KELLOGG, Assistant Examiner.

U.S. Cl. XJR. 

